Skin infections
There are many types of infections that can affect the skin.
Fungal infections
These can affect the top layer of the skin, hair or nails causing scaly red patches on the skin or thickened nails. Fungal infections are very common in our hot tropical climate, and usually affect the feet, groin, buttocks and torso. A very common type of body yeast (fungal) infection tend to affect younger adults or athletes (tinea versicolor) causing white or brown scaly patches on the chest and back.
Bacterial infections
When the skin barrier is disrupted (such as broken skin from eczema, or any skin injury), bacteria can enter the skin surface to infect deeper layers of the skin. There may be wet weepy patches or deeper more painful redness and swelling of the skin. Soft tissue bacteria infection can range from small boils and carbuncles, to deeper skin abscesses. Impetigo is a type of bacteria infection at the skin surface. Deeper infections can result in cellulitis or erysipelas, and patients may become unwell with fever and chills.
Viral infections
Common skin viral infections include viral warts and molluscum contagiosum, resulting in multiple skin growths. Other viral infections include chickenpox, herpes simplex virus infection (cold sores), and shingles (herpes zoster infection)
Treatment for Skin Infections
Treatment is targeted at specific skin infections.
Fungal infections
Topical anti-fungal creams and washes can be applied on the affected areas. Very often, oral anti-fungal medication needs to be prescribed for more extensive fungal infection or for cases of nail fungal infection which can be more resistant to topical treatment. Recurrence of the fungal infection is a common problem.
Bacterial infections
Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient to treat simple infections. For more severe cases, intravenous infusion of antibiotics may be required. Surgical drainage is usually required for deeper skin abscesses.
Viral infections
Skin growths of viral warts and molluscum contagiosum can be treated with regular cryotherapy, or cantharidine application. For stubborn warts, options of electrosurgery or laser ablation may be considered. Herpes virus infections (cold sores, shingles) can be treated with oral anti-viral medication.
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.
Medical Dermatology
Meet your Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
